Vernon Leroy Sorensen

May 8, 1928 – April 11, 2023 (94 years, 11 months)

Vernon Leroy Sorensen was born May 8, 1928, at St. Luke's Hospital in Bellingham, WA. He was the only child of Ingwald Conrad Sorensen and Lillie Tuisha (Syre) Sorensen. When Vern was 3 years old his mother died, and he spent the next five years living with his maternal grandparents, Rasmus and Tobias Syre in Lawrence, WA. His dad, Ingwald, married Mildred (Holmes) in 1936 and they lived in Bellingham.

After graduating from Bellingham High School, he attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), San Mateo, CA campus. That campus closed in 1947 and Vern finished his education at the USMMA King's Point, NY campus.

After graduation Vern spent time both as a merchant sailor and in the Navy. During the Korean conflict he was stationed at Pusan.

In 1953 Vern married Patricia (Patsy) Lucille Bruget in April 1953. After Korea Vern was stationed in Japan and their first son, Marc Conrad, was born February 1955. In 1957 the Navy moved them to Coronado, CA and second son, Scot Eric, was born October 1957.

The first eight years of marriage had Vern and Patsy moving eight times, then in 1961 they settled down in Huntington Beach, CA. Over the next 34 years Vern worked at the port of LA/Long Beach most often as a stevedore superintendent, working for various companies including Matson and Stevedore Services of America.

Retirement came in 1995 and Vern and Patsy moved back to the Pacific Northwest and settled in Burlington, WA, where they would spend the rest of their lives.

A life-long Lutheran Vern was active in many congregations, including being a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, and holding several leadership positions. Upon retirement he was again active at Burlington Lutheran Church.

Once they became empty-nesters Vern and Patsy enjoyed annual trips to Maui, as well as the many cruises they were able to take.

Vern enjoyed reading and staying informed about current events. After Patsy died in 2008, he became a volunteer with Hospice of the Northwest (Skagit Valley), which he found very rewarding.

His companion in the last decade of his life was close friend Shirley Liston. They enjoyed dinners at the Club, as well as traveling together to each other's children's and grandchildren's events.

Vernon was preceded in death by Patsy. He is survived by his sons Marc (Linda) of Kings Park, NY, and Scot (Kathy) of Sacramento, CA. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 pm at Burlington Lutheran Church, 134 E. Victoria Ave. No flowers, please.